Reservists like Noam Glukhovsky express frustration and exhaustion over extended military service amid the ongoing war. With rising economic strains on families and small businesses contributing to a sense of urgency for resolution, many question the long-term sustainability of Israel's military reliance on reservists.
Israel's War Weary Reservists Question Commitment Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Israel's War Weary Reservists Question Commitment Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The struggle for balance between service and personal life weighs heavily on Israeli reservists as the conflict continues.
In Tel Aviv, Noam Glukhovsky, a 33-year-old IDF reservist, shares his reluctance to return to service following years of intense fighting that has disrupted his medical studies and daily life. With Israel engaged in war on multiple fronts, the toll on soldiers and civilians continues to escalate.
The recently announced ceasefire with Lebanon brings a momentary relief, yet fear and uncertainty remain regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. "We can't keep doing this war for much longer," Noam tells us, reflecting a growing sentiment of war fatigue among reservists. Over the past year, Noam has spent more than 250 days in uniform, far exceeding his usual few weeks of annual service.
The state of readiness among reservists also appears to be declining, with turnout dropping from over 100% after the October 7 Hamas attacks to approximately 85%, and even lower in some units like Noam's, where about 60% report for duty. Brigadier General Ariel Heimann, a fellow reservist, acknowledges the challenges that the IDF faces as the dependency on reserves increases. He warns that the prolonged engagement could push military personnel beyond their limits, suggesting an extension of mandatory service for male conscripts may be necessary.
Adding to the complexities of military engagement are societal divides over who bears the burden of service. The Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox Jews, traditionally receive exemptions from conscription, leading to resentment among those who serve. Recent developments have prompted the government to send call-up papers to Haredi men with protests erupting in response.
The economic impact of sustained military efforts cannot be overlooked. Shelly Lotan, a business owner, passionately discusses the difficulties of managing her food tech start-up while coping with military service disruptions among her employees. "I just can’t express how critical it is to have another employee missing for another month," expresses Shelly, highlighting the tangible impacts of war on everyday life.
As a ceasefire provides temporary solace in Lebanon, ongoing violence raises further questions among Israelis regarding the future of their nation and conflict resolution in the region. “I think the war should have ended by now,” Shelly concludes, illustrating the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy from the government.
The recently announced ceasefire with Lebanon brings a momentary relief, yet fear and uncertainty remain regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. "We can't keep doing this war for much longer," Noam tells us, reflecting a growing sentiment of war fatigue among reservists. Over the past year, Noam has spent more than 250 days in uniform, far exceeding his usual few weeks of annual service.
The state of readiness among reservists also appears to be declining, with turnout dropping from over 100% after the October 7 Hamas attacks to approximately 85%, and even lower in some units like Noam's, where about 60% report for duty. Brigadier General Ariel Heimann, a fellow reservist, acknowledges the challenges that the IDF faces as the dependency on reserves increases. He warns that the prolonged engagement could push military personnel beyond their limits, suggesting an extension of mandatory service for male conscripts may be necessary.
Adding to the complexities of military engagement are societal divides over who bears the burden of service. The Haredi, or ultra-Orthodox Jews, traditionally receive exemptions from conscription, leading to resentment among those who serve. Recent developments have prompted the government to send call-up papers to Haredi men with protests erupting in response.
The economic impact of sustained military efforts cannot be overlooked. Shelly Lotan, a business owner, passionately discusses the difficulties of managing her food tech start-up while coping with military service disruptions among her employees. "I just can’t express how critical it is to have another employee missing for another month," expresses Shelly, highlighting the tangible impacts of war on everyday life.
As a ceasefire provides temporary solace in Lebanon, ongoing violence raises further questions among Israelis regarding the future of their nation and conflict resolution in the region. “I think the war should have ended by now,” Shelly concludes, illustrating the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy from the government.
